Short Inca Trail 2d/1n

DURATION

DISTANCE

ALTITUDE

LEVEL

START

FINISH

2 Days / 1 Night

17 km

2200 msnm – 2715 msnm

easy – moderate

Cusco – Chachabamba

Machu Picchu – Cusco

Cusco is Peru’s main tourist destination and one of the most important destinations in the Americas. Known by the Incas as the “Home of the Gods,” Cusco became the capital of one of the largest pre-Columbian empires: the Tawantinsuyo. Its name in Quechua means “Navel of the World”.

The Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world; at one time it extended throughout all of the Incan Empire and today still exists in many parts of the Andes. The short Inca Trail is 2 days and 1 night. We recommend this shorter trail for people who do not have much time or do not feel physically capable of the longer trek. You will be walking on the real Inca path once used by the noble Incas to pilgrimage to Machu Picchu sanctuary. While trekking, you will enjoy Andean flora and fauna as well as mountain views.

DAY 1: CUSCO / Machu Picchu / AGUAS CALIENTES:
The first day, we pick you up at your hotel and, depending upon which train is reserved, take you to the station in either Poroy or Ollantaytambo from where you will take the train to km 104, Chachabamba (2200msnm). Here there is a control point where you will register with your guide. We begin your trek by first visiting the archeological site of Chachabamba. From here we later begin to ascend for 3 hours to the second archeological site of Winay Wayna (2700msnm). Inca construction is divided into religious sectors, agricultural sectors and urban sectors, all of which are united by the ceremonial water fountains. We then continue for more than an hour more to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) 2700msnm, the place from where we can appreciate the splendid city of Machu Picchu, wonder of the world. We can take our first photos from the high part, later we descend for 45 minutes until we reach the control point one more time, and then take our bus to descend to the town of Aguas Calientes, where we spend the night in a comfortable hostal and clean up with a private bathroom and hot shower.
MEALS: Box Lunch. Dinner in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes.

DAY 2: MACHU PICCHU TO CUSCO:
On this day we get to know the historical sanctuary of Machu Picchu (2400msnm). We will plan to leave very early to take the first bus to Machu Picchu which leaves at 5:30 so that we can be at the citadel early to see the sun rise. In this place, we will have a thorough explanation of the Inca construction, at a time where there will be the least number of people. We can also secure our entry to the mountain of Waynapichu from where we can appreciate Machu Picchu from a different vantage point. Later, we will again descend to the pueblo of Aguas Calientes to take our return train to Cusco, and then return you to your hotel.

MEALS: Breakfast in the hotel.

IMPORTANT NOTES

This trek requires special permits, so please make your reservation well in advance to secure your place in the time that you wish.

Be aware that Inca trail is very popular trek and you will meet a lot of trekker on the way. If you are interested in more off the beaten track treks, please consider our alternative treks to Machu Picchu.

The time of hiking will depend on the group. The guide can change the places for having lunch according to the physical condition of the group.

Each guide has his own way of leading his groups but always his decisions will be for the benefit of the tourists.

If you would like an extra night in Aguas Calientes please let us know at the time of your reservation so that we can make appropriate arrangements with the return train tickets.

INCLUDED:

A briefing two days before the trek.

Transport in private bus to the train station

Transfer back to your hotel upon return

Transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Meals according to your program (vegetarian option available)

Snacks for trekking

Professional English, Spanish and Quechua speaking guide

Assistant Guide for groups of more than 8 people

Celebration dinner in Aguas Calientes at a restaurant

Entrance to Machu Picchu

Entrance into Inca Trail.

Bus up to and back from Machu Picchu

Roundtrip train ticket from Cusco

Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and hot water

First Aid Equipment and oxygen

NOT INCLUDED:

Breakfast the first day

Lunch the second day

Tips for the guide

Entrance to the thermal baths in Aguas Calientes

1 small nylon reinforced backpack to carry the things you need for the trek (camera, drinks, etc.)